The Mapleson Memoirs, 1848-1888 Volume I Part 20

Three other stalls used, at this time, to be reserved for the Captain of the Body-Guard, the Exon in Waiting, and the Clerk of the Cheque.

To show that my military studies and military labours of the last twenty-eight years have not been altogether in vain, I may here append a few letters from various commanding officers and adjutants with whom I have at various times done duty.

During my English provincial tours I have for many years, thanks to the kindness of H.R.H. the Commander-in-Chief, been enabled to do duty with a number of different regular regiments, whose officers have done me, moreover, the honour of making me free of their mess. Sometimes, too, the Colonel of the regiment has been good enough to place his troops under my command. I have the pleasantest recollections of having, in the course of my various provincial tours, worked and dined with the officers of, I can scarcely say how many regiments. Here are some of the letters which, on my taking leave, I received from the commanding officers or adjutants of those corps:--

"Richmond Barracks, Dublin, "Dec. 14, 1869.

"I certify that Lieutenant-Colonel Mapleson, 6th Tower Hamlets Rifles, has drilled regularly under my supervision from the 4th of September, 1869, until the 9th of October, 1869. During this period he went regularly through company drill, and for the last fortnight took command of the Battalion; he on joining being well up to his work and thoroughly acquainted with the theory of drill. On leaving I considered him well qualified to take command of a regiment in the field. He took the greatest interest in his work, and went in for mastering the minutiae of drill with great perseverance.

"C. J. BURNETT, "Captain and Adjutant 2/15 Regiment."

"Salford Barracks, Manchester, "May 6, 1870.

"I hereby testify to the capabilities of Lieutenant-Colonel Mapleson in drill during the time I had command of the 100th Regiment at Manchester.

He drilled the Battalion several times, and from the report of the Adjutant I have no hesitation in stating that few officers are superior to him in the knowledge of battalion manoeuvres.

"H. COOKE, "Major Commanding 100th Regiment."

"Gallowgate Barracks, Glasgow, "May 26, 1870.

"I certify that Colonel J. H. Mapleson, Honble. Artillery Company, was drilling with the 2nd Battalion 5th Fusiliers, then under my command, and that he showed considerable proficiency in company and battalion drill.

"GEORGE CARDEN, "Major 2nd Battalion 5th Fusiliers."

"Junior United Service Club, "November 1, 1871.

"I have much pleasure in testifying as to Colonel Mapleson's thorough knowledge of the 'Field Exercise Book,' etc., etc., and I feel convinced from what I saw of him whilst attached to my regiment that he could handle it under any circ.u.mstances.

"J. CLOWES HINDS, "Major 40th Regiment."

"Beggars' Bush Barracks, Dublin, "January 13, 1871.

"Lieutenant-Colonel Mapleson drilled with the 1st Battalion Scots Fusilier Guards during the autumn of 1870. He was thoroughly up in company and battalion drill, more especially the latter, and is perfectly able to drill the Battalion.

"J. W. WALKER, "Captain and Adjutant "1st Battalion Scots Fusilier Guards."

"Glasgow, October 30, 1871.

"Lieutenant-Colonel Mapleson has during the last month frequently attended the parades of my regiment. He has both taken command of a company at battalion drill and has also manoeuvred the Battalion himself, in both situations, showing a thorough knowledge of the Infantry Field Exercise.

"J. C. RATTRAY, "Colonel Commanding 90th Light Infantry."

"Edinburgh Castle, "May 21, 1873.

"Certified that Colonel James H. Mapleson was attached to the 93rd Highlanders for drill. I consider him able to drill a squad, company, or battalion according to the Field Exercise, and fully impart instruction therein.

"FITZROY MACPHERSON, "Adjutant 93rd Sutherland Highlanders."

"Infantry Barracks, Windsor, "July 7, 1873.

"This is to certify that Colonel Mapleson was attached for drill to the 1st Battalion Scots Guards during the winter months; that he is thoroughly acquainted with battalion drill, and perfectly competent to drill the Battalion either singly or in brigade.

"J. W. WALKER,

"Captain and Adjutant 1st Battalion Scots Guards."

"Edinburgh Castle, N.B., "April 10, 1875.

"I certify that during the stay of Colonel Mapleson at Edinburgh he attended regularly all parades of the 90th Light Infantry, and manifested thorough knowledge of company and battalion drill. He has a good 'word of command,' and nothing could exceed his zeal for military information, which he is fully in possession of.

"H. W. PALMER, "Major Commanding 90th Light Infantry."

"Wellington Barracks, "January 10, 1874.

"We certify that Lieutenant-Colonel Mapleson, of the Tower Hamlets Rifle Brigade, is conversant with the drill of a company and of a battalion, and able to give instruction in the same.

"That he can command a battalion in brigade.

"That he is competent to superintend instruction in aiming and position drill, and to superintend blank firing and ball practice.

"That he is acquainted with the proper mode of route marching and the duties of guards.

"Also that he can ride.

"Also that he is acquainted with the mode of posting picquets and their sentries and the duties of orderly officer.

"L. E. PHILLIPS,

"Colonel 2nd Battalion Grenadier Guards.